Officials warn public of telephone scammer impersonating Milwaukee police officer

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating recent complaints of a phone scam.

They say the scammer identifies himself as a law enforcement officer and claims that the victim missed jury duty or a court summons. They tell the victim that they run the risk of being arrested unless they pay a sum of money. The scammer requests payment be made by purchasing a prepaid money card and submitting the information over the phone.

Authorities say the caller has claimed to be a Milwaukee police officer. 

The department would like to remind the public that MPD does not call to collect payment over the phone and will not request payment be made via a prepaid card. 

MPD recommends the following tips to avoid being a victim of a scam:

• Do not give credit card or banking information to a stranger.
• Do not give any personal information to a stranger.
• Obtain specific contact information from the individual making the request (e.g., work location, phone number, etc.).
• Search for the general number of the organization that the individual alleges to work for and verify the information.
• If you believe you are a victim of a scam contact or go into to your local police district station to report it.